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Synonym Chooser

How is the word begin different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of begin are commence, inaugurate, initiate, start, and usher in. While all these words mean "to take the first step in a course, process, or operation," begin, start, and commence are often interchangeable, with begin, opposed to end, being the most general.

begin a trip
began dancing

How is commence related to other words for begin?

Commence can be more formal or bookish than begin or start.

commence firing
commenced a conversation

When could inaugurate be used to replace begin?

The words inaugurate and begin are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, inaugurate suggests a beginning of some formality or notion of significance.

the discovery of penicillin inaugurated a new era in medicine

When would initiate be a good substitute for begin?

While the synonyms initiate and begin are close in meaning, initiate implies taking a first step in a process or series that is to continue.

initiated diplomatic contacts

Where would start be a reasonable alternative to begin?

The synonyms start and begin are sometimes interchangeable, but start, opposed to stop, applies especially to first actions, steps, or stages.

the work started slowly

How are the words usher in and inaugurate related as synonyms of begin?

Usher in is somewhat less weighty than inaugurate.

ushered in a period of economic decline

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of begin In mid-January, Israel and Hamas agreed to a ceasefire, putting a temporary stop to the war in Gaza, which began after the attacks of October 7, 2023, and which has killed more than fifty thousand Palestinians. Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 2 May 2025 Heredia had served as the head of AHCCCS without Senate confirmation since early 2023, several years after officials say the fraud likely began during the Republican administration of former Gov. Doug Ducey. Mary Hudetz, ProPublica, 2 May 2025 Hyman then put the Oilers ahead for good with their third goal on a play that began innocently enough, with Nugent-Hopkins sending the puck off the boards after a faceoff in the Kings’ end. Kevin Baxter, Los Angeles Times, 2 May 2025 Max subscription plans begin at $9.99 a month with ads while ad-free subscriptions cost $16.99 a month. Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 20 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for begin
Recent Examples of Synonyms for begin
Verb
  • In reality, the pricing-in may commence before the earnings are disclosed.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025
  • The 40-year-old Stearns came of age right as Pat Riley took over and the Knicks commenced their annual playoff battles with the Bulls, Pacers and eventually Riley’s Heat.
    Tim Britton, New York Times, 1 May 2025
Verb
  • Inevitably people started to capitalize on that fun aspect of the sport, and Agassi was called upon to participate.
    Todd Boss, Forbes.com, 4 May 2025
  • Bucky is helping Yelena lead the team, which is apparently now locked in a copyright battle with Sam Wilson, who seems to want to start his own non-governmental Avengers squad.
    Brian Truitt, USA Today, 4 May 2025
Verb
  • Reuters was not immediately able to establish his identity.
    USA Today, USA Today, 1 May 2025
  • However, President Donald Trump’s attempts to establish his own gold card program are likely to prove fruitless.
    David Bier, Time, 30 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The announcement of Universal’s ambitious new UK theme park — a vast entertainment resort set to open near Bedford — is already sparking excitement across the leisure and retail industries.
    Kate Hardcastle, Forbes.com, 27 Apr. 2025
  • Why the Chargers drafted him: A versatile receiver who was tied for the sixth-fastest 40-yard dash at the NFL combine, Lambert-Smith would be another option to help open the Chargers’ vertical passing game.
    Thuc Nhi Nguyen, Los Angeles Times, 27 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • With approximately 77% of U.S. toy imports originating from China, coupling Hunyuan 3D with consumer-grade 3D printers offers a potential workaround for American buyers, highlighting how technology firms can creatively bypass political constraints to deliver value globally.
    Vivian Toh, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025
  • The criminal gang originated in a Venezuela prison and has slowly spread both north and south in recent years.
    Dalia Faheid, CNN Money, 24 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • China is currently still saddled with a 145% import tariff, and the others were slated for tariffs ranging from 26% to 49% before Trump's 90-day pause initiated on April 9.
    Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 30 Apr. 2025
  • Separately, the Department of Education is initiating a rulemaking process this week that may further alter or curtail access to those programs.
    Adam S. Minsky, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The assessment helps federal, state and local governments and businesses to prepare for the impacts of climate change and adapt to and mitigate challenges arising from climate change.
    Tracy J. Wholf, CBS News, 2 May 2025
  • Throughout the discussion, Khan repeatedly emphasized that successful collaboration must arise organically, particularly through writing and story development.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 2 May 2025
Verb
  • Man Charged with Manslaughter After Student, 20, Died in Alleged Off-Campus Fraternity Hazing The fraternity was founded nationally in 1906.
    Madison E. Goldberg, People.com, 3 May 2025
  • Carney has emphasized Canada’s founding nations, the United Kingdom and France, since becoming prime minister after the resignation of Justin Trudeau.
    Rob Gillies, Los Angeles Times, 2 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Begin.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/begin. Accessed 7 May. 2025.

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